HDFC Bank staffer arrested in Bilaspur for cheating lawyer of ₹3 crore

Accused posed as Scottish investor to lure victim into ₹500 crore fake healthcare project; luxury cars and gadgets seized.

The Bilaspur Police have neutralized a major investment-linked cyber fraud with the arrest of a 34-year-old bank employee for allegedly duping a local lawyer of ₹3.13 crore. The accused, identified as Naveen June, an employee of HDFC Bank, reportedly orchestrated an elaborate scam involving fictitious foreign investors from Scotland and a massive ₹500 crore investment plan for social infrastructure in Chhattisgarh.

The breaking investment trap

The victim, identified as advocate Arun Mishra, was approached in early 2024 through a WhatsApp message from a foreign number. The sender, posing as a UK-based individual named ‘Dr. Lovheet’, introduced the victim to a supposed collaborator, ‘Grace David’ from Scotland. The duo enticed the lawyer with a proposal to invest ₹500 crore into building a cancer hospital, a blind institute, and a law college in India, offering him a partnership in the prestigious project.

Anatomy of the fraud

Relying on the professional background of his friend, Naveen June, the victim proceeded with project reports and legal formalities. However, the scam transitioned into a financial drain when the accused claimed that a Demand Draft (DD) worth ₹103 crore had been issued but was stuck in clearance. Under the guise of processing fees, customs duties, RBI clearances, and tax obligations, the victim was pressured into transferring large sums of money across multiple accounts.

Exploiting professional banking trust

Investigation reveals that Naveen June, a resident of Sonepat, Haryana, currently living in Bilaspur, utilized his insider knowledge of banking systems to facilitate the crime. Having previously served as a Direct Selling Agent, June created several fake email IDs, masquerading as high-ranking officials from the Embassy, the Enforcement Directorate (ED), and various nationalized banks to provide a veneer of authenticity to the clearance delays.

Police action and recovery

Suspicion arose when the promised ₹103 crore draft failed to materialize despite the victim paying over ₹3 crore by July 31, 2024. Following a formal complaint at the Chakarbhata Police Station, a special team tracked the financial trail to June. Authorities have since seized a Mahindra Thar, a Maruti Venue, premium mobile phones, tablets, and laptops used in the commission of the crime.

Wider syndicate suspected locally

While Naveen June is currently in custody, senior officials indicated that this was not a solo operation. "The accused used sophisticated social engineering tactics and fake digital signatures. We are investigating the involvement of other associates who may have provided the foreign virtual numbers and helped in laundering the cheated amount," a police spokesperson stated during an India News Update.

Rising cyber-investment scams

This incident follows a string of high-profile frauds in Chhattisgarh. Recently, Raipur police busted a gang where a Class 10 dropout posed as a Delhi Post Office Director to dupe 52 people of ₹2.34 crore. The Bilaspur case highlights a dangerous trend where professionals with banking backgrounds are leveraging their expertise to target high-net-worth individuals under the guise of Government Updates or international collaborations.

What lies ahead

Naveen June has been booked under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for cheating and forgery. The police are now coordinating with the cyber cell to trace the remaining funds and identify the 'money mules' whose accounts were used for the initial smaller transfers. This Public Interest Story serves as a grim reminder for citizens to verify foreign investment credentials through official diplomatic channels before committing personal capital to this Trending News India.